Probably you mixed "Find next" and "Replace all" behavour of "\a.". When you press "Find next" first time, first "b" is selected - search range was from first symbol to last. When you press "Find next" second time, second "b" is selected - search range was from second symbol to last.

Probably you mixed "Find next" and "Replace all" behavour of "\a.". When you press "Find next" first time, first "b" is selected - search range was from first symbol to last. When you press "Find next" second time, second "b" is selected - search range was from second symbol to last.

Yes, I compared "Replace" function with "Replace all".
In the case of "Replace", the search range is variable. If you press "Replace" button 8 times, the result is:

P.S.: I got used to see original Notepad's Blue Icon. I always change "Icon Group" of every AkelPad's new version with original Notepad.exe's "Icon Group". It's easily with ResourceHacker. Of course, it's personal preference.

pureocean
It is no a bug.
Your file mpc-hc.ini is encoded in UTF-8.
Probably, the previous version of the file was encoded in UTF-16LE.
The code page used to decode the file is displayed in the status bar.
If you have selected the option "Options"->"Settings"->"Registry"->"Remember code page", AkelPad remember the code page for recently opened files.
Uncheck this option and then the file should be displayed correctly.
Another solution:
Open mpc-hc.ini in AkelPad, press F12 (or right click on code page section in status bar) and run from context menu "Redetect".

Before one minute, I've read your message. And clicked to AkelPad. Strange: AkelPad just now can open properly. I was very suprised. No need to apply your suggestions. Still thanks for tips because it will be taught a lesson.
Best regards!